Now it's Horford's turn to help Celtics' newcomers

Wednesday

Sep 27, 2017 at 8:23 PMSep 27, 2017 at 8:32 PM

Jim Fenton The Enterprise @JFenton_ent

NEWPORT, R.I. – He was the veteran who had to go through an adjustment last season after joining a new team.Al Horford had spent nine years with the Atlanta Hawks before signing with the Celtics in the summer of 2016, so it took a little while to get comfortable.

With one season in Boston under his belt, Horford will be providing tips to newcomers Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, who have joined the Celtics after playing six and seven years with the Cavaliers and the Jazz, respectively.

“Last year for me, I had to learn a lot of things, even though I’m a veteran,’’ said Horford on Wednesday before the fourth practice of training camp at Salve Regina University. “I had to learn a new system, everything, and I was kind of following some of the guys who had been here already.’’

Horford, who begins his 11th season on Oct. 17 when the Celtics face the Cleveland Cavaliers, had a solid first season in Boston after being slowed by a concussion early.

He averaged 14 points, 6.8 rebounds and five assists, then contributed 15.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists in the playoffs.

Horford’s presence and unselfish play helped Isaiah Thomas have the best season of his career. Now, he is one of only four players returning this season, and Horford will once again be a leader.

“Every day you lead by example and you’re making sure we’re holding each other accountable,’’ said Horford. “That’s one of the things I’ve been trying to focus on every day.’’

Said coach Brad Stevens: “Whenever he talks, it’s worth listening to. He really has a way about him. He picks his words and his times to speak. Clearly when he speaks, everybody listens.’’

Horford’s role will also be to help Irving and Hayward make the transition to the Celtics after being with the same team since leaving college.

“We’ll keep talking as we go along,’’ said Horford. “It’s getting acclimated and used to the surroundings, the people around you, the city.

“For them, it’s going to be a learning experience and I’ll be there to kind of support them and help them out. Change can be difficult sometimes, but I feel like we’ll be able to help them get acclimated with the team.’’

Irving and Hayward have talked about how much having Horford on the floor will help their games.

Horford showed the ability to get players open by setting picks, and by playing outside, he opened the floor for Thomas to drive last season.

“For me, it’s to make sure I make the game easy for (Irving) and Gordon,’’ said Horford. “It’s to learn tendencies, what they want to do, how they’re playing and I’m going to play around them and I’ll make adjustments. I’ve always been able to do that.’’

The Celtics wrap up their stay at Salve Regina with one practice on Thursday, then return to Waltham to prepare for the start of the preseason schedule Monday night.

With so many changes to the roster, the Celtics know they will be able to count on Horford from start to finish.

“I think Al played a real big part for us last year and he brings a lot of leadership and unselfishness,’’ said president of basketball operations Danny Ainge. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that so many of our perimeter guys had the best years of their careers last year.

“Al, the way he plays, how unselfish he is, his experience and his ability to take over at times (really helps). He’s the kind of guy who has the reputation around the league that guys do want to play with him.’’

With one season down and three more to go on his contract, Horford has settled in with his second NBA team after a long run in Atlanta.

“It feels good to have a year under my belt here and being a Celtic,’’ said Horford. “Last year, I wouldn’t say it was like a rookie year for me, but there was a lot new, a lot to learn. Now I know what to expect. I feel much more comfortable with my surroundings.’’

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